Patents by Inventor Keith D. Weeks

Keith D. Weeks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8088223
    Abstract: A substrate processing system has computer controlled injectors. The computer is configured to adjust a plurality of injectors, such as during deposition of a graded layer, between depositions of two different layers, or between deposition and chamber clean steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Paul T. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7964513
    Abstract: Multiple sequential processes are conducted in a reaction chamber to form ultra high quality silicon-containing compound layers, including silicon nitride layers. In a preferred embodiment, a silicon layer is deposited on a substrate using trisilane as the silicon precursor. A silicon nitride layer is then formed by nitriding the silicon layer. By repeating these steps, a silicon nitride layer of a desired thickness is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Christiaan J. Werkhoven, Christophe F. Pomarede
  • Patent number: 7651953
    Abstract: Multiple sequential processes are conducted in a reaction chamber to form ultra high quality silicon-containing compound layers, including silicon nitride layers. In a preferred embodiment, a silicon layer is deposited on a substrate using trisilane as the silicon precursor. A silicon nitride layer is then formed by nitriding the silicon layer. By repeating these steps, a silicon nitride layer of a desired thickness is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Christiaan J. Werkhoven, Christophe F. Pomarede
  • Publication number: 20090311857
    Abstract: Multiple sequential processes are conducted in a reaction chamber to form ultra high quality silicon-containing compound layers, including silicon nitride layers. In a preferred embodiment, a silicon layer is deposited on a substrate using trisilane as the silicon precursor. A silicon nitride layer is then formed by nitriding the silicon layer. By repeating these steps, a silicon nitride layer of a desired thickness is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Christiaan J. Werkhoven, Christophe F. Pomarede
  • Patent number: 7297641
    Abstract: Multiple sequential processes are conducted in a reaction chamber to form ultra high quality silicon-containing compound layers, including silicon nitride layers. In a preferred embodiment, a silicon layer is deposited on a substrate using trisilane as the silicon precursor. A silicon nitride layer is then formed by nitriding the silicon layer. By repeating these steps, a silicon nitride layer of a desired thickness is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Christiaan J. Werkhoven, Christophe F. Pomarede
  • Patent number: 7294582
    Abstract: Sequential processes are conducted in a batch reaction chamber to form ultra high quality silicon-containing compound layers, e.g., silicon nitride layers, at low temperatures. Under reaction rate limited conditions, a silicon layer is deposited on a substrate using trisilane as the silicon precursor. Trisilane flow is interrupted. A silicon nitride layer is then formed by nitriding the silicon layer with nitrogen radicals, such as by pulsing the plasma power (remote or in situ) on after a trisilane step. The nitrogen radical supply is stopped. Optionally non-activated ammonia is also supplied, continuously or intermittently. If desired, the process is repeated for greater thickness, purging the reactor after each trisilane and silicon compounding step to avoid gas phase reactions, with each cycle producing about 5-7 angstroms of silicon nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: ASM International, N.V.
    Inventors: Ruben Haverkort, Yuet Mei Wan, Marinus J. De Blank, Cornelius A. van der Jeugd, Jacobus Johannes Beulens, Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks, Christian J. Werkhoven, Christophe F. Pomarede
  • Patent number: 7029995
    Abstract: Methods for forming epitaxial films involve forming a buffer layer on a single crystal substrate, depositing an amorphous layer on the buffer layer, then forming an epitaxial film from the amorphous layer by solid phase epitaxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Paul D. Brabant, Keith D. Weeks, Jianqing Wen
  • Patent number: 7005160
    Abstract: Methods for controlling the grain structure of a polycrystalline Si-containing film involve depositing the film in stages so that the morphology of a first film layer deposited in an initial stage favorably influences the morphology of a second film layer deposited in a later stage. In an illustrated embodiment, the initial stage includes an anneal step. In another embodiment, the later stage involves depositing the second layer under different deposition conditions than for the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks
  • Publication number: 20040213907
    Abstract: Methods for controlling the grain structure of a polycrystalline Si-containing film involve depositing the film in stages so that the morphology of a first film layer deposited in an initial stage favorably influences the morphology of a second film layer deposited in a later stage. In an illustrated embodiment, the initial stage includes an anneal step. In another embodiment, the later stage involves depositing the second layer under different deposition conditions than for the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Todd, Keith D. Weeks